Monstera ‘Bulbasaur’

Monstera ‘Bulbasaur’ is an eye-catching variegated houseplant admired for its distinctive mix of deep green, mint and creamy colouring. Its patterned foliage brings a fresh twist to the familiar Monstera silhouette, making it an attractive choice for collectors and anyone who enjoys unusual tropical plants.

Commonly sold as Monstera deliciosa ‘Bulbasaur’, this cultivated form produces individual leaf patterns ranging from delicate speckling and marbling to larger patches of contrasting colour. Each new leaf offers something different, creating a plant with plenty of character as it develops.

Foliage and Growth

Young plants produce rounded to heart-shaped leaves, usually without the splits and holes associated with mature Monsteras. As the plant becomes established, its foliage can grow larger and develop these natural openings, known as fenestrations.

The distribution and intensity of variegation vary between plants and individual leaves. Some leaves may display subtle mint mottling, while others develop more prominent pale patches against a rich green background.

Monstera ‘Bulbasaur’ is a climbing plant. Although small specimens are suitable for shelves and tabletops, they will need more space and a sturdy support as they grow. A moss pole, coir pole or wooden plank helps encourage upright growth and increasingly mature foliage.

Light Requirements

Position your Monstera ‘Bulbasaur’ in bright, indirect light. An east-facing window is often suitable, while strong light from a south- or west-facing window can be filtered through a sheer curtain.

Avoid prolonged exposure to harsh direct sunlight, which can scorch the foliage, particularly the lighter areas. Insufficient light can lead to slower growth, smaller leaves and longer gaps between leaves.

Good lighting supports healthy growth, but the amount and pattern of variegation will still vary naturally.

Watering

Allow the top few centimetres of compost to dry out before watering again. Water thoroughly, letting excess water escape through the drainage holes, then empty any water collected in the saucer or decorative outer pot.

Check the compost rather than watering to a fixed schedule. Water requirements change with the season, room temperature, pot size and growing medium.

During autumn and winter, the compost usually takes longer to dry, so watering will generally be less frequent. Avoid leaving the roots in consistently wet compost, as this can lead to root rot.

Temperature and Humidity

Keep your plant in a warm, stable environment, ideally between 18–25°C. Protect it from cold draughts, sudden temperature changes and direct heat from radiators.

Moderate to high humidity supports healthy foliage development. Around 50–70% humidity is a useful target, although established plants can adapt to typical household conditions.

If the air is particularly dry, a humidifier can help. Maintain gentle airflow around the plant, especially in humid growing spaces.

Soil and Potting

Use a chunky, well-draining aroid mix that holds some moisture while allowing air to reach the roots. Peat-free houseplant compost combined with orchid bark and perlite or pumice works well.

Always choose a pot with drainage holes. Repot when the roots have substantially filled the existing container, ideally during active growth in spring or summer.

Move into a pot only slightly larger than the previous one. Excess compost around a small root system can stay wet for too long.

Feeding

Feed approximately every four to six weeks during spring and summer using a balanced liquid houseplant fertiliser, following the product’s dilution instructions.

Reduce or pause feeding when growth slows during autumn and winter. Avoid overfeeding, which can damage roots and cause brown leaf tips.

Pruning and Maintenance

Remove dead or badly damaged leaves using clean, sharp scissors or secateurs. Wipe healthy foliage gently with a damp cloth to remove dust.

As the plant climbs, secure its main stem loosely to a sturdy support. Leave the leaf stalks free to move and avoid tight ties that could restrict growth.

Healthy aerial roots can be guided towards the support or growing medium.

Common Problems

Yellowing leaves: Persistently wet compost and poor drainage are common causes. Check the growing medium and root condition before watering again.

Brown, crispy edges: These may develop through prolonged dryness, low humidity or excessive direct sunlight.

Drooping leaves: Check the compost first, as both dry roots and roots damaged by waterlogging can cause wilting.

Small leaves or stretched stems: The plant may need brighter indirect light.

Leaves without splits: This is normal in young plants. More mature foliage develops with time, suitable light and climbing support.

Inspect the undersides of leaves and leaf joints regularly for pests such as thrips, spider mites and mealybugs.

Propagation

Monstera ‘Bulbasaur’ can be propagated from stem cuttings containing at least one healthy node and a viable growth point. A leaf cutting